Mama Boot Camp

Posted July 2, 2014 by Prairie Wife - 6 comments

Everyone knows that when someone else is relying on you to do something, more often than not it gets done. It’s so much easier to skip something when we know that the only one that will suffer is us. That’s why research says that using the buddy system to exercise makes people exercise more often, longer, and at a higher intensity. That being said, it’s hard enough to find time in my schedule to go for a run or do a yoga DVD, how on Earth will I be able to coordinate with a friend?

Over 4 years ago a few friends and I came up with a genius plan for exercising in the summer (this year we hope to continue after school starts), we call it Mama Boot Camp and it’s still going strong. Over the years we’ve made some adjustments based on what we’ve seen has and has not worked. We started out working out at a park and then in the past two years have moved it out to the Prairie Homestead. At the park there were more options for a harder and varied workout but, there were also a bunch of unknown kids (waving sticks and causing trouble) and less than great bathroom facilities. At my house we have only a few options for working out but, all of the kids get along great, and usually the bathrooms are passably clean! Take a look at what we did, try it with your friends and let me know how it goes!

Overall Rules
• Only meet one day a week for an hour, Tuesday seems to work best for most people.
• 9 is the perfect time, not too early, but early enough that it won’t be too hot.
• Split into two groups (workout time is 30 minutes each), one group works out while the other one watches kids, then switch.
• All you need is two people to show up for it to happen, one to watch kids and one to work out!
• Keep the location the same; it’ll save a lot on confusion and last minute “Where R U?” texts.
• Start on time, if someone comes late they can simply workout with the other group. If they are always late and working out with no watching of kids…pick a brave soul to talk to them!
• Kids bring their own drinks but no snacks, snacks can cause snack envy (kids trading and toddlers snatching) and problems!
• Be supportive and positive, as well as respectful of everyone’s varying abilities.

Boot Camp at the Park
• It helps to have woman that are willing to be leaders and take each group through the circuits.
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Ideas include: sprints, running bleachers, tricep pushups and regular pushups on benches, lunge and squat sets, planks, sit-ups (or any variation of core work), and pull ups on monkey bars.
• Stick to your 30 minutes and include time to get back to the playground area.

Boot Camp at a House
• Make it clear where kids can and cannot go. At our Boot Camp they have to stay outside unless they have to use the bathroom.
• We usually just run or walk up the dirt road, sometimes in pairs but most of us like to crank up the music and enjoy some alone time.
• In the past we have also done yoga, trampoline workouts, circuit training, and ballet barre.
• Plan on heading home after the hour is done, unless invited to stay by the hostess.